The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Undergraduate Programme2011 - 2012

ContentsMessage from the Founding Dean 2

Vision and Mission 3

Milestones 4

Student Life at CUHK 5

Teaching and the Curriculum 6

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Programme 10

Experiential Learning and Exchange Opportunities 12

Professional Development Opportunities 14

Preparation for Careers 15

Our PCLL Programme 16

Words from LLB Graduates 17

What Current Students Say 18

Contact Information 20

1

The Faculty of Law of The Chinese University of Hong Kong is very pleased to welcome Prof Christopher Gane as the Dean of the Faculty with effect from 30 September 2011. Prior to his arrival, Professor Gane was Vice-Principal of the University of Aberdeen. He was Dean of the Faculty of Law from 1995 to 2000 and Head of the College of Arts and Social Sciences from 2008 to 2011 at the University of Aberdeen.

The following message is a warm welcome extended by Prof Gane to all prospective applicants of the LLB programme at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

And even if, in the end, you do not enter into legal practice we believe that the legal education you receive here at the Chinese University will equip you to grasp all the opportunities that will present themselves – whether they be in business, in government or other public service – as your career develops beyond graduation.

Legal education presents many challenges, and we, as teachers, understand the challenges that you, as students, will face. We are, therefore, committed to supporting you in your efforts. (At the same time, of course, we expect you to commit yourselves wholeheartedly to your studies!)

I hope that you will be able to join us in meeting those challenges and I look forward to welcoming you to the Faculty of Law in 2012.

As the newly-appointed Dean of the Faculty of Law I would like to share with you the sense of excitement I have felt in joining this community of scholars, students and teachers. The Faculty is young, dynamic and ambitious. Our curriculum is innovative, and offers an approach to legal education that is quite distinctive. In delivering that curriculum we are able to draw on a wealth of experience in legal education and practice that is truly global and embraces not only Hong Kong, but the rest of China and the Asia-Pacific Region, North America and Europe.

As we move into an era in which legal practice increasingly transcends national boundaries it is ever more important that law students are exposed to ways of thinking that are not confined within a single legal system. As a law student at the Chinese University you will benefit from our richly diverse legal environment.

Professor Christopher GaneProfessor of LawDean of the Faculty of Law

Message from the DeanProfessor Christopher Gane

who elect to do the programme to engage in clinical work with the Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre and to gain credit for doing so. Later in this brochure you will be able to read about our compulsory ‘Individual, the Community and the Law’ courses (there are two of them) which ensure that our students are aware of law in its social setting.

We will admit a double cohort of 140 students in 2012. If you are one of them, I can promise you four years full of hard work. Our committed teaching staff will guide and, I hope, inspire you. You will benefit from all the support we can give you in your studies and in finding the career path that suits you. You will also benefit from the help and advice of our Distinguished Professional Mentors and our growing alumni network.

The LL.B. Programme at the Chinese University of Hong Kong has gone from strength to strength since it began in 2006. From the beginning, Faculty members, students and our administrative support team have worked hard to build up the Faculty of Law and its LLB programme. We have been very fortunate to have attracted able, hard-working students who have seized the opportunities made available to them through their participation on the LLB. Our graduates have done exceptionally well on the PCLL and have secured training contracts and internships with many of the best law firms in Hong Kong. Other students have decided to pursue further studies in Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and other top-ranked universities.

Central to the ethos of the LLB programme is the commitment to prepare graduates who are not only highly skilled lawyers but who also understand their profession as a call to work for the best interests of Hong Kong and China as a whole. We are proud of our links with the legal professions in Hong Kong and of our students’ ability to compete for positions in major international law firms. We are equally proud of initiatives such as the Refugee Clinical Legal Assistance Programme. This allows selected students

Professor Mike McConville Founding Dean and Simon F.S. Li Professor of Law Faculty of Law

Message from the Founding DeanProfessor Mike McConville Vision and Mission

Enriched by the intellectual and cultural heritage of its University and situated at the heart of the legal system, the Faculty of Law brings together common law and Chinese law with other great legal traditions and values to promote justice and to safeguard the rule of law. An international family of research-led scholars creates a dynamic, flexible learning environment. Students are encouraged to develop a deep and critical understanding of legal theory and practice. Graduates will possess the intellectual skills and ethical values to become future leaders and serve the needs of the community.

Supported by world class research, the Faculty of Law provides a flexible, learner-centred environment in which students are actively engaged and prepared for distinction in the legal profession and for leadership roles in Hong Kong, China and internationally. The Faculty is building strong and enduring links with alumni and friends so that law students are educated and fully equipped for successful careers in the legal profession, government, business and industry.

32

Joining the youngest Faculty at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, you will be given the opportunity to join a cooperative and innovative community dedicated to teaching, research and international exchange bringing the best of China to the world and the best of the world to China. We are very pleased to see that an impressive number of our LLB graduates in the Founding Class have secured training contracts in leading international law firms on completion of our LLB and PCLL programmes. The Faculty of Law has made considerable progress in less than a decade. Highlighted below are some of the Faculty’s achievements since its establishment.

Year Achievements

2004 Establishment of the School of Law

2006 First intake of LLB, JD and LLM students (Founding Class)

2008 The School of Law became the Faculty of Law

The International Conference on Judicial Review in Hong Kong was well attended by world-renowned legal luminaries

CUHK team won the prize for the Best Memorial and finished in the top 5 defence teams in the International Moot Teams 2007-08 6th Hong Kong Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot

2009 CUHK team won the championship in the Joint University Mooting Competition 2009 (Hong Kong)

2010 Launch of the Mediation Institute

Establishment of the Centre for Rights and Justice

Establishment of the Centre for Financial Regulation and Economic Development

CUHK team won the Hardy C. Dillard Award in the 50th Philip C Jessup Moot Competition (in Washington, DC) and achieved an overall ranking of 19th in the world from among over 500 teams. CUHK team also won the Hong Kong Regional Championship with the Best Oralist and the Best Memorial

First class of LLB graduates

2011 Inaugural Conference of the Centre for Rights and Justice: Criminal Justice in China: Comparative Perspectives

Inaugural Conference of the Centre for Financial Regulation and Economic Development: The Renminbi’s Changing Status and The Chinese and Hong Kong Financial System(s)

First class of LLB graduates completed the PCLL programme

I am familiar with the standards of Law Schools in the United Kingdom and Australia… In my opinion CUHK LLB students compare very favourably to LLB students in the best undergraduate Law Schools

with which I am familiar...Extracted from the Curriculum Review Report 2010

Professor Edward Tyler, Visiting Examiner of the LLB Programme

Milestones Student Life at CUHK

An Ideal Campus

At CUHK, students can find out what campus life really means. Located north of Shatin overlooking the scenic Tolo Harbour, our stunning central campus is the largest and greenest in Hong Kong. The beautiful green campus has won the gold award in the 2009 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence.

The University offers a wide range of sports and recreational facilities, including seven libraries, art museums, concert halls, a swimming pool, sports fields, tennis courts, squash courts, a water sports centre and gymnasia. In this tranquil and relaxing environment, students will find studying an invigorating and pleasurable experience.

Emphasis on Bilingualism and Multiculturalism

CUHK strives to provide an environment where students are exposed to Eastern and Western cultures, while enhancing their Chinese and English language proficiency. From learning and living to overseas studies and extracurricular activities, opportunities to savour these invaluable experiences permeate life at CUHK.

College System

CUHK is the only university in Hong Kong that adopts a collegiate system like Oxford, Cambridge and other well-established institutions around the world. The Colleges create a congenial environment where students receive pastoral care and whole-person education through participating in a wide range of activities and interacting with staff and peers of different backgrounds.

Whole Person Development

All CUHK graduates are equipped not only with specialized knowledge of their major subjects, but also with wisdom for life in general. Be it general education courses or lectures conducted by experts, the University offers many opportunities for students to

With its ideal campus and many exciting educational opportunities, you will find your experience at CUHK an enriching one.

develop their potential and to integrate different fields of knowledge. Students will be encouraged to nurture their own good judgment and a sense of personal values, each being indispensable elements in personal or career advancement.

Committed Teachers and Diversified Student Mix

CUHK students enjoy a close mentoring relationship with our committed teachers. The diverse student mix, with over 4,000 non-local students from such jurisdictions as Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Mauritius, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, the UK, the US and many provinces in Mainland China, helps provide a multicultural learning environment for our students.

54

Studying at this law school has been one of my most enjoyable learning experiences. The Faculty stresses very much the importance of communication. One example is dividing our

class into four small tutorial groups in order to make sure each student is easily heard and to encourage professors and students to build closer relationships with one another. Apart from that, representatives are elected by students, who participate in regular meetings with the Faculty to guarantee that our voices are heard. This unique and liberal learning environment has definitely

sharpened our leadership and communication skills, which are qualities always required for successful lawyers. I sincerely wish to thank all professors and administrative staff for equipping me as a whole

person during the past four years.

WONG Siu Chung Oscar, LLB Graduate 2010-2011from La Salle College

PCLL Candidate 2011-2012

Teaching and the Curriculum

The LLB provides students with a sound legal training to prepare them for the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) Programme and a career in law. It also provides a broad intellectual training, helps students to understand the role of law in society and prepares them to face their professional life with a strong ethical sense. The LLB develops students’ English and Chinese language skills.

The Learning Outcomes

On completion of the LLB Programme, students will have acquired the following attributes:

Technical legal competence

Ability to think critically and analytically

Research skills

Sense of public service

Broader philosophical understanding of the role of law in society

Commitment to ethical professionalism

Ability to work in English and Chinese

The following table broadly sets out the composition and requirements of the LLB Programme:

The Building Block Approach in Programme Design

The Courses

Courses to introduce you to legal reasoning and methodology and the Hong Kong Legal System

Other core legal subjects

Language and general education courses

A broad range of compulsory and elective courses that build on the first year courses

Capstone course: The Individual,

the Community and the Law

(develops your research and presentation skills and focuses on how the law can help deal with important social issues)

Capstone course:

Independent Research Project

(integrates core legal and general academic skills)

Year 1

Year 2-4

Year 3

Year 4

Year of Study Progression of Studies

* The required courses include core and PCLL prerequisite courses.

Law Required Courses* 81 units

Law Elective Courses 9 units (to choose from a wide range of electives)

Non-Law Free Electives 13 units

General Education Courses 12 units

Physical Education Courses 2 units

For HKALE entrants For HKDSE entrants

Language 6 units 9 units

IT pass an IT Competency Test 1 unit

Total 123 units 127 units

The first year of the programme provides you with an understanding of the Hong Kong Legal System and the essentials of legal reasoning and analysis. This equips you to learn about specific areas of the law in the later years. Capstone courses in years 3 and 4 require you to carry out longer research projects.

76

The Learning Environment Students benefit from a supportive and friendly learning environment. The Faculty of Law has state-of-the-art teaching facilities including a suite of classrooms configured for interactive teaching and a Moot Court.

Small group tutorials not only give students the opportunity to apply the knowledge that they have acquired to a problem question, but also enable them to work closely with their teachers and fellow students.

Courses such as Mooting and Introduction to Alternate Dispute Resolution offer the opportunity to practice legal professional skills in a very practical, experiential way. The Refugee Clinical Legal Assistance Programme gives students the opportunity to interview and advise people seeking refugee status in Hong Kong. This is an invaluable opportunity to advise real clients. Other opportunities for experiential learning activities are discussed in later sections.

The Teachers

The CUHK Law Faculty, with over 40 professors and professional consultants, actively pursues research in a broad range of areas. Our Faculty members have studied in leading universities around the world, including the UK, China, the US, Australia and Continental Europe. They bring a global outlook to focus on legal problems affecting Hong Kong, China, and the international community. You can learn more about the interests and activities of individual Faculty members from the Faculty website. Students’ learning experience is enriched by the expertise of their teachers drawn from their research and professional experience. Our teaching staff are committed to the task of providing students with a sound legal education. As academic mentors they are on hand to help their mentees develop their potential to its fullest extent.

CUHK Law is great. The LLB is a demanding

curriculum which equips us with a strong foundation of knowledge in law and a critical, analytical mind-set.

The diverse range of law electives we choose from allows

us to explore different areas of legal study and maintain an appropriate degree of breadth to our legal perspectives. This occurs daily at our idyllic Shatin campus, under the guidance of an extremely capable, friendly and unique team of professors.

LAI Pierce Yiwei, Year 2from West Island School

Our Faculty has always encouraged us to get

involved in society. As a student legal adviser, I joined the Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre to assist the

Refugee Status Determination process. I had the chance to advise

a Nepalese refugee who had been kidnapped and persecuted by the Maoists, the infamous rebels in Nepal. Although the claim was a long and stressful process, the experience was very rewarding and I thank the Faculty for this opportunity to participate in a meaningful endeavour.

WAN Chun Yiu, Year 4from Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School

Refugee Clinical Legal Assistance Programme 2010-11

The Individual, the Community and the Law

course is a unique course. We are divided into small groups to investigate issues that are both legally and socially

related. It gave me insight on how closely law is related to our

daily lives. Also, working in small groups simulates the future working environment where lawyers work in teams. It is a good preparation for me to face challenges in my upcoming career.

LIU On Yee Ann, Year 4from St. Paul’s Co-educational College

The curriculum in CUHK LLB has plenty of law

courses to offer, which are all challenging but at the same time very interesting and inspiring. I am most pleased with the countless opportunities for students to travel overseas

to enrich our legal knowledge. The Faculty offers a number of summer exchange programmes all over the world. Last summer, I was able to join a programme to the University of Sydney to study International Humanitarian Law. This summer, I am spending 6 weeks in Beijing’s China University of Political Science and Law, and at Hangzhou People’s Court for a study/internship programme. I would like to thank all the staff in the Faculty who made this possible.

YU Sau Man Carmen,Year 3from Cranbrook School, UK

98

Taking advantage of the latest technologies and approaches, the Faculty of Law provides both a general and a professional legal education, equipping students to be lifelong learners, to be able to adapt easily to a competitive environment and to develop intellectual and professional skills. Students can graduate from the LLB degree with up to two minors in any discipline.

Double Degree Options

LLB students may, if they wish, join a double degree programme. Our flexible double degree programmes allow students to pursue a path that fits them best. Towards the end of their first year students will be given the opportunity to choose a double degree programme (with one extra year of study) that they would like to pursue. The double degree options currently offered to our students include:

1. Bachelor of Laws – Bachelor of Business Administration (LLB-BBA)

2. Bachelor of Laws – Bachelor of Arts (Translation) (LLB-BA(Translation))

3. Bachelor of Laws – Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology) (LLB-BSSc(Sociology))

A Flexible Approach

Double degree students who need time to pursue their career after completion of the first degree may defer the completion of the second degree for up to three years.

PCLL ProgrammeGraduates may also further their legal education by studying the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL). Completion of a PCLL is an essential step in the process of qualifying as a solicitor or barrister in Hong Kong.

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Programme

Year 1

Year 2 to 4

Degree Award

Year 5

Year 6

Admitted to LLB Programme

LLB + Double Degree Options in BBA or BA (Translation) or

BSSc (Sociology)

LLB with free Non-Law Electives

Bachelor of Laws(with up to two minors in any

discipline)

Complete one of the double degree options*

PCLL Studies

PCLL Studies

Bachelor of Laws

* Students who need time to pursue other career options after completion of the first degree are allowed to defer their completion of the second degree for up to three years.

Please note that the fees for the second degree may be higher than the LLB Programme fees.

Multiple Paths of Studies in the LLB Programme at CUHK

Complete LLB core courses, language courses and University requirements

I chose to study BBA as a minor because it benefits

both my future career and my current LLB studies. Studying BBA enhances my managerial skills, interpersonal

skills and verbal skills, which are also important to legal careers, since

barristers and solicitors often interact with each other and their clients. Besides, some LLB courses require us to do presentations, the skills of which can be enhanced in the BBA courses. Also, BBA courses, which introduce different types of businesses, help my understanding of Company Law.

The arrangement of courses is flexible enough for me to complete both the LLB major programme and the BBA minor programme since I have a choice of 4 time slots for law tutorials and there are many BBA classes for me to choose so that there is no time clash.

KWONG Hang Ting Loretta, Year 4from Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School

Enrolled in LLB Programme with a Minor in BBA

The LLB – BA (Translation) Double Degree Programme

has given me a chance to take part in a wide range of courses offered by the Department of Translation. I learned about

different methods of translation and what specific terms are in both

Chinese and English, especially in the course of Legal Translation. This enhances my language and also helps me to read and understand legal documents in either language. I enjoyed every course!

WONG Chak Lun Wallace, Year 4from Diocesan Boys’ School

Enrolled in LLB – BA (Translation) Double Degree Programme

1110

I studied at the University of North Carolina at

Greensboro, U.S.A. as an exchange student between August 2010 and April 2011. The experience not only

has broadened my horizon, but also made me a more independent

person. I shared many happy memories with local Americans and other international students. I also took several interesting courses including acting and singing, which were absolutely beyond my academic discipline but lots of fun!

TSE Hing Min Andy, Year 4from Bishop Hall Jubilee School

Exchange Programme at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, U.S.A. 2010-11

The Sir TL Yang Society

“The Sir TL Yang Society” is named in honour of Dr the Honorable Sir Ti Liang Yang, GBM, JP, former Chief Justice of Hong Kong and Honorary Professor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. In support of the experiential learning activities of students, the Society hosts Law High Table Dinners, receptions, lectures and talks in which LLB students can meet with their mentors, alumni and professionals. The activities also provide a platform for the Faculty to maintain close contacts with our students, partners and friends.

The Society provides a travel bursary of up to HK$10,000 for each LLB student during their course of studies towards the cost of attending the Summer Study Abroad Programmes. Students travel together as a group and spend two to four weeks at host institutions to attend lectures and seminars, visit legal institutions, and gain exposure to the legal system and culture of different jurisdictions.

Exchange Programmes

At Faculty and University levels we have agreements with institutions from around the world. It is our belief that studying in other countries broadens students’ academic understanding of the discipline of law, helps develop students’ personal skills, boosts their confidence and makes them more attractive to future employers. In some instances the units the student completes whilst overseas may be credited towards the completion of their degree.

Experiential Learning and Exchange Opportunities

The lectures and visits to government departments

are inspiring, they let us get a glimpse of the viewpoints of many talented Chinese. Their view towards ‘governance’

is different to ours; they may emphasize the need to save people

from starvation while we emphasize democracy. Through interacting with them we know better why China seems to be less democratic than Western countries. You can also explore Beijing at a very reasonable price. I would strongly recommend every law undergraduate to grab this unique and treasurable chance.

CHAN Hess, Year 3from Queen’s College

Mooting

In ‘mooting’, law students present written and oral arguments on a hypothetical case in a courtroom simulation in the same way as a practicing barrister would. The Faculty has been invited to take part in various mooting competitions both locally and internationally. LLB students can elect to take a course in Mooting (LAWS2270) which is specially designed to improve their legal research, legal reasoning, advocacy, communication and case analysis skills.

Experiential Learning Activities in the 4-year LLB Programme

Summer Study Abroad Programme at Tsinghua University 2011

Year 1 and above: • Leadership Development Programme • Summer Study Abroad Programmes

Year 2 and above: • Exchange Programmes • Chinese Law Internship (on the Mainland)• Summer Internships (in Hong Kong)• Mooting Competitions

All Years: • Visits to courts, law firms and other relevant organizations

The Chinese Law Internship Programme

is one of the highlights in my university life! While the two-week law course in Beijing is informative, the

four-week internship at the Hangzhou Intermediate People’s

Court provided a chance to view how the PRC legal system operates. I enjoyed exchanging opinions with Mainland judges and lawyers. Visits to the Summer Palace and the West Lake also deepened my understanding of my motherland’s rich culture.

HO Yuen Ting Wendy, Year 4from Sha Tin Government Secondary School

Chinese Law Internship Programme 2010

1312

Distinguished Professional Mentors

Each of our undergraduate students is paired with a Distinguished Professional Mentor (DPM). The DPMs are drawn from both branches of the legal profession, the Government and the Judiciary. The DPM helps and guides the student throughout the four years of the LLB. DPMs act as advisors on professional and ethical matters and share with students their own experiences of a career in the law.

The Distinguished Professional Mentor Scheme provides students with the skills and confidence to enable them to contribute their best to the community. The relationship between the DPMs and students is special and provides a golden opportunity for students to gain an insight into a career in law and to develop their own sense of their future career development.

Academic Mentors

In addition to the Distinguished Professional Mentors, our teachers act as academic mentors to advise students on all aspects of their academic development and on any problems or issues arising during the academic year. Each student is assigned an academic mentor. Students are encouraged to meet with their mentors to reflect on and improve their own academic progress.

Professional Development Opportunities

Our LLB programme is among the most enriching educational experiences available to recent school leavers in Hong Kong. A major reason is our tradition

of matching each of our LLB students with a teacher to provide regular academic and personal guidance. One of my mentees is Alex Mok. Most LLB students are unsure about how best to approach their studies when they first embark on their law school adventure, and Alex was no exception. As Alex’s mentor I guided, advised and encouraged him, thereby helping him achieve his true potential. Working with him over four years, I witnessed him develop from a typical hard-working but hesitant freshman into a confident and high-achieving senior. He has earned a place on the Dean’s List for academic excellence, won a prestigious prize in Contract Law and secured a training contract with a major law firm. Alex is one of our many success stories.

Professor Stephen HALLAcademic Mentor of MOK Ho Yin Alex

“Well begun is half done,” and the academic

mentorship programme of the LLB programme is clearly a vivid demonstration of this saying. I’m really glad to have Prof. Stephen Hall to be my mentor. He helped me adapt quickly to the new environment when I was still a freshman. He has provided me with both academic and career advice. Moreover, he has shown his support towards me, which has motivated me to do better and better in every area. He has also encouraged me to express my views on different topics, which stimulated me to think critically beyond textbooks.

MOK Ho Yin Alex, LLB Graduate 2010-2011from St. Joseph’s College

PCLL Candidate 2011-12Training Contract at Eversheds 2012

My interactions with my Distinguished Professional

Mentor (DPM) have allowed me to discuss what I’ve learned in the classroom in a practical setting. My DPM has given me

opportunities to experience the world of a practitioner and has been

a bridge between the learning that I have done in school and the application of my knowledge to the types of work that actual lawyers do on a daily basis. Above all, my DPM has been friendly and helpful, and has provided me with the moral support to strive for excellence in both my studies and my life.

MENG Lloyd Fan-yi, Year 2from Canadian International School of Hong Kong

Preparation for Careers

Law graduates have many career options, both within the legal profession and outside it. They can be a lawyer in private practice or with the government, or pursue one of the range of careers that draws on a legal background. Equipped with sophisticated intellectual and professional skills, they are also much sought after in other professions.

In addition to career services provided at the University level, the Faculty of Law also plays an active role in equipping our students with the skills needed for them to pursue their careers both within and outside the legal profession.

Virtual Careers Resource Centre

Our Virtual Careers Resource Centre is a fantastic resource for students, and is unique to our Faculty of Law. The Virtual Careers Resource Centre not only serves as a contact point for prospective employers, it also provides students with a mass of useful information on developing their career, enhancing skills and presenting themselves to the world in the best possible way.

Career-related Activities

The Faculty organizes career-related activities for our students throughout the year. Examples include:

• Career workshops e.g. CV writing, interview skills

• Career and recruitment talks by international and local legal organizations

• Visits to legal institutions and prestigious legal firms

• Social functions to meet with legal professionals e.g. High Table Dinner, Distinguished Professional Mentors Reception

• Invitation to legal talks and seminars organized by outside parties e.g. International Symposia, Arbitration Seminars

1514

September 2010 saw the enrolment of our first LLB graduates onto the PCLL programme. Their performance on the PCLL was spectacular.

Many of them are going on from the PCLL to join top law firms for their training contracts, including Baker & McKenzie, Hogan Lovells and Norton Rose. I wish them all well. I am confident that they will bring great distinction to Hong Kong’s legal profession in the years to come.

September 2011 will see a new batch of LLB graduates joining the PCLL, nearly 80% of applicants having been offered places. They will have a very hard act to follow, but I am sure that they will live up to it. I greatly look forward to welcoming them to the 2011/12 programme.

Richard MORRISPCLL Programme Director

Partner of Deacons 1983-1997 Vice President, Hong Kong Law Society 1996-1997

Upon graduation from the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), students must study a one year full-time Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) programme if they wish to be admitted as a solicitor or barrister of the High Court of Hong Kong.

The PCLL programme at CUHK is a unique and innovative postgraduate certificate that offers skills-focused training that closely reflects the work lawyers undertake. The Programme has been developed in close consultation with the legal profession to meet its current needs and to equip students with the skills

Our PCLL Programme

The most memorable and valuable experiences that I have from both the LLB and the PCLL are the people that I have met and built academic or personal relationships with. Ideas,

theories and opinions are freely exchanged by professors, students and friends. With sincerity and appreciation, I believe this Faculty has done well to provide a personal and professional environment for staff and students to teach, learn and study subjects of common interest together. The Faculty has been encouraging and affirming for those who wish to engage in and pursue their interests and aspirations beyond black letter law. For that, I am grateful and will look back with fondness on those

who have given meaning to my academic and personal life at the University I grew up in.

After graduating from the LLB and the PCLL at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, I will be taking up a year of study at Oxford University to pursue Religious Philosophy and Theology. I will return in August 2012 to commence my training contract with Hogan Lovells.

LI Lillian, LLB Graduate 2009-2010 & PCLL Graduate 2010-2011from Sha Tin College

Candidate of Postgraduate Diploma in Religious Philosophy and Theology at the University of Oxford 2011-2012Candidate of Master of Arts in Human Rights at Columbia University 2011-2012

Training Contract at Hogan Lovells 2012

they will need to work as a trainee solicitor or a pupil barrister.

The Founding Class of the LLB Programme graduated in 2010. The majority of them continued their PCLL studies at CUHK. We are very pleased to see that a large number of graduates in the Founding Class have secured training contracts in law firms which straddle the spectrum of legal practice and which together serve the interests of all of the people of Hong Kong.

My CUHK LLB experience has exceeded my expectations in so many respects. In particular, I have been extremely impressed by how the Faculty has always listened to student input by using student feedback

forms to improve courses on a regular basis. Professors also genuinely adopt an open-door policy, allowing me to freely discuss anything from complex legal issues to future career paths. These past four years have been academically intense, but I have always felt supported by both my classmates and the Faculty in all my endeavors. It has been an absolute pleasure studying undergraduate law at the CUHK.

LAM Joyce Wing Yin, LLB Graduate 2010-2011from Sha Tin College

Bachelor of Civil Law (“BCL”) Candidate at the University of Oxford 2011-12Recipient of the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships for Overseas Studies 2011-12

It has been an enjoyable learning journey to study the LLB course at CUHK. Although the curriculum is demanding and intellectually provoking, the academic staff are very approachable and willing to offer their

help and knowledge. Over the years, I have built a good relationship with various professors. Besides attending lectures and tutorials, the Faculty also offers a mentorship programme that gives us the opportunity to meet distinguished professionals in the legal sector. The Faculty arranges different social events such as the summer high table dinner, and these events provide a wonderful opportunity for us to build up our network in this sector. On the whole, the LLB programme not only provides a high standard of legal education but also enables me to develop my social skills.

WONG Ying Yuet Tatianna, LLB Graduate 2010-2011 from Canadian International School of Hong Kong

PCLL Candidate 2011-2012Training Contract at Hogan Lovells 2013

In law, there is no definite answer; as our Dean Professor McConville said to us when we first met him: “The answer to every question is “it depends”.” Indeed, throughout the LLB course at CUHK, we are offered

numerous opportunities to develop our analytical and critical thinking skills. I was very privileged to have become the student representative of my class; the chief editor and the lead oralist to represent CUHK at the Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna and Hong Kong; and to have taken part in the exchange programmes to the University of Sydney and Tsinghua University. In fact, with these various international exchange programmes and mooting opportunities available, a wide range of law electives for us to explore law through different perspectives, and last but not least, unfailing guidance and support from our professional mentors and professors, the LLB programme has surely been successful in nurturing us to become capable lawyers in the future.

YEUNG Jackie Nga Man, LLB Graduate 2010-2011from Diocesan Girls’ SchoolPCLL Candidate 2011-2012

Training Contract at Norton Rose Hong Kong 2013

Words from LLB Graduates

1716

What Current Students Say

The LLB programme at CUHK has the unique element of innovation which attracts

me to explore further. The staff are encouraging and fully dedicated to the pursuit

of legal research. With generous support from accommodating professors, I settled

down at ease, meeting many other friendly colleagues who turned out to be soulmates

of mine. I especially appreciate the arrangement for having a smaller class size. I was

able to interact more and build close and trusted relationships with one another. At

the CUHK Faculty of Law, I feel very much at home.

KWONG Cheuk Man Charmaine, Year 2

from Marymount Secondary School

I must say the past two years of legal studies in CUHK have been extremely fruitful and

satisfying. While firmly equipped with all the skills and knowledge necessary for

pursuing a career in the legal field in the future, I have found life-long friends who share

the same dream and aspiration.

What distinguishes life in the Faculty of Law in CUHK from others must be its unique

mentorship programme, under which professors and students form strong bonds.

YU Wang Lung Brian, Year 3

from Wah Yan College, Hong Kong

Given immense opportunities by the Law Faculty and Chung Chi College of CUHK, I have been fortunate enough to visit Beijing, Inner

Mongolia, Wuhan, South Korea, India and the United States for various academic exchange and service programmes ever since my Year 1 summer. All these eye-opening experiences, together with the LLB programme, have proved to be beneficial to me in both personal growth and academic exposure.

MA Wing Sum, Year 3from Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section)

Before entering the Faculty of Law, someone told me that the training of a lawyer would probably be the harshest thing in the world. Just think about the workload,

routine work of reading, case-studying, writings, you name it. Scary, eh? Now I can confirm you that this is all rubbish. Student life at the Faculty is fun and enjoyable!!! In addition to the rigorous academic training, the Faculty also provides opportunities that will help us develop personally as well as professionally. Various exchange programmes are among the highlights. In each of the exchange programmes, we are given the opportunity to study law in a different context, and at the same time enjoying ourselves touring around in a new city.

WAN Kenneth Hay-chee, Year 2 from St. Paul’s College, Hong Kong & Warwick School, UK

The Law Faculty has provided us with various opportunities to develop our legal careers. For instance, each law student is assigned a distinguished professional mentor to learn more about

the actual legal field. Academically, the Faculty organized summer exchange programmes to let us have a taste of different foreign laws so as to equip us for future challenges. I once took a Chinese Law course in the Tsinghua University, which enabled me to have a better understanding of the Chinese legal system and the related Government departments. Therefore, studying Law at CUHK can surely let you explore and grow in a rounded and fruitful way.

CHEUNG Sze Ki Sherbe, Year 4from St. Mary’s Canossian College

Learning International Humanitarian Law in the University of Sydney is definitely an eye-opening and inspiring experience. It is amazing to know about this area of law and I find it quite interesting.

Another great part of the study trip is that I could explore Sydney and its culture with my friends. We enjoyed travelling in the city a lot.

TANG Tsz Lam Lilian, Year 2from Belilios Public School

Summer Study Abroad Programme at The University of Sydney 2011

I enjoy travelling and CUHK has blessed me with a host of such opportunities. Through the University, I went to Peking University (Beijing) for a one-year exchange programme.

Through the Faculty, I headed to Washington D.C. and will be heading to Seoul for mooting competitions. Through the general studies department, I have been to London and other parts of Europe. These are just a few of the many opportunities that this University and Faculty can offer her students. Do join us and travel around the world!

YAU Vinca, Year 4from SKH Bishop Mok Sau Tseng Secondary School

Outgoing Exchange Programme at Peking University 2010-11

Three CUHK law students formed a wine tasting team and competed at the International Wine Tasting

Competition for Universities’ Students. In this prestigious annual event, the CUHK team won a second

place. They finished ahead of Cambridge University, UK, and second only to the winning team, Harvard

University. “We have learned so much in wine and also in many other aspects, such as the social skills, table

manners, and interpersonal and communication skills.” Fergus Chau, member of the wine tasting team said,

“As a law student, it is inevitable that I will participate in social occasions with judges, lawyers and other

distinguished members of the community. The skills we learned in wine tasting can help us to adequately

present ourselves and our CUHK Law Faculty. Of course, it is also the goal of our Law Faculty to prepare us to be a rounded person so that we can be successful people in the future.”

CHAU King Fung Fergus, Year 3from Black Hawk High School, Wisconsin, USALAU Man Shan Holly, Year 3from Hang Seng School of Commerce

YAU Ka Siu Alex, Year 3from Merchiston Castle School (Scotland)First runners-up of ‘20 Sur Vin’ wine-tasting competition in FranceMembers of CUHK Wine Society

1918

Contact Information

Faculty of Law

Address : 6/F, Lee Shau Kee Building The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin, New Territories, Hong KongTelephone : (852) 3943 4399Fax : (852) 2994 2505E-mail : lawugadm@cuhk.edu.hkWebsite : http://www.law.cuhk.edu.hk

20